Sephora workers seek unpaid wages over time spent on applying makeup

In 2018, the California Supreme Court ruled that Starbucks and other companies must pay employees for tasks they perform after clocking out. Now, Sephora employees in the state are seeking compensation for time spent on security checks and makeup application before starting a shift.

Around 8,000 Sephora employees have asked for class certification in a wage and hour lawsuit filed against the beauty retailer in Oakland Superior Court. They alleged Sephora failed to pay them for work-related tasks outside of their regular hours, including time spent going through security and putting on makeup. In addition, Sephora did not provide adequate rest and meal periods.

The biggest issue in the case is that there are no records showing the unpaid time. However, the Sephora employees’ legal counsel claimed the lack of records was due to the employer’s failure to fulfill its duty of tracking time. Sephora workers provided evidence that putting on and maintaining their makeup was part of their job duties.

Employers are required by law to keep accurate records of total time worked each day, including regular duties either before or after a shift. If you suspect your employer is failing to pay you all the wages you are owed, contact the employment attorneys at Erlich Law Firm.